Is Your Child Allergic to Mold?

Is Your Child Allergic to Mold?

Allergies can make a child miserable, so the sooner you figure out what they’re allergic to, the better. If you need help figuring it out, Dr. Eiman ElSayed of Pediatric Care of Four Corners in Davenport, Florida, offers allergy testing and treatment for children of all ages. 

Allergy symptoms

Sneezing, coughing, watery and itchy eyes, and skin rashes can all be caused by allergies to mold or other substances. Other symptoms include an itchy or stuffy nose and frequent sneezing. If there’s a mold allergy, you may notice your child’s symptoms get worse after a lot of rain or after spending time in a damp basement. Sometimes, an allergic reaction to mold can also set off an asthma attack as the body works to fight against exposure to an allergen.

What is mold?

Mold is a fungus that grows year-round in moist places. It’s found indoors and outdoors. Allergic reactions may occur when your child breathes in mold spores and their body works to fight off these foreign invaders. Unlike seasonal allergies, a mold allergy can linger throughout the year, especially in areas where it rains a lot.

Mold allergies

If you suspect a mold allergy, the first thing to do is search your home and basement for any water leaks, wet carpet, or damp books or newspapers. Fix the problem areas and get rid of anything damp and musty. Here are some other tips for ridding your house of mold to help your child feel better:

  1. Wash your kitchen garbage can often.
  2. Monitor the humidity levels in your home and use a dehumidifier for levels over 50%.
  3. Improve ventilation in your bathroom and use cleaning products that kill mildew.
  4. Never use carpet in the bathroom.
  5. Use an air conditioner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove mold spores from the air.
  6. Wash damp clothes and stuffed animals in hot, soapy water.
  7. Keep your child away from piles of grass and leaves.
  8. Keep leaves and debris out of your gutters so rain can drain properly.

Treatment

Over-the-counter allergy medicines may help your child feel better. Just be sure to follow the directions carefully. 

When to call us

If your child’s allergies seem to get worse instead of better, it’s time to give us a call. Keep an eye on them, and if they have trouble breathing call 911 or get them to the emergency room right away.

If it’s not an emergency, make an appointment with Dr. ElSayed with our online booking tool or by calling 863-201-8949.